How South African scientists identified hantavirus on a cruise ship thousands of miles away
South African scientists identified a hantavirus outbreak on a Dutch cruise ship after a passenger was evacuated to Johannesburg. The team, led by infectious disease expert Lucille Blumberg, quickly ruled out other potential causes before confirming hantavirus as the culprit. Their collaboration with international experts facilitated the rapid identification of the virus.
- ▪A British passenger from the MV Hondius cruise ship was hospitalized in Johannesburg with suspected pneumonia.
- ▪The South African team identified hantavirus as the cause of illness after ruling out other diseases.
- ▪Two elderly Dutch passengers on the ship had already died before the outbreak was confirmed.
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ABC NewsLiveVideoShowsGood Morning AmericaShopGMAInterest Successfully AddedWe'll notify you here with news aboutTurn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? OffOnStream onHow South African scientists identified hantavirus on a cruise ship thousands of miles awaySouth African infectious disease expert Lucille Blumberg was part of a team that identified a hantavirus outbreak on a Dutch cruise shipByMICHELLE GUMEDE Associated PressMay 23, 2026, 4:04 AM1:12People in protective gear remove waste from the MV Hondius cruise ship after its arrival at the Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands, Monday, May 18, 2026.
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